Software Quality Assurance Analysts And Testers Salary

In today’s tech-driven world, software plays a major role in almost everything we do. From the apps on our phones to the programs businesses use, everything needs to be tested to ensure it works smoothly. This is where Software Quality Assurance (QA) Engineers and Testers come in. They are the experts who check software for bugs and make sure it meets the highest standards before it reaches users.

If you’re thinking about a career in tech, becoming a QA Analyst or Tester can be a great choice. Not only do they help improve the quality of software, but they also enjoy attractive salaries. In this blog, we’ll dive into the software QA engineer salary, the average salary of software QA testers, and explore how salaries vary by location. We’ll also discuss the various factors that can impact a software QA engineer salary, helping you better understand what to expect in this rewarding career path. Let’s get started!

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Estimated Salary Table For Software QA Engineers

Here is an estimated salary table for Software QA Engineers based on different experience levels:

Software QA Engineer Salary Based on Experience

The salary of a Software QA Engineer can vary significantly depending on the level of experience. Below, we break down the salary ranges based on different experience levels to give you a clearer idea of what to expect.

Fresher (0-1 Year)

For those just starting out in the Software QA field, salaries are generally on the lower end of the spectrum. As an entry-level QA tester, your focus will be on learning and gaining hands-on experience with testing tools and techniques. The QA tester salary entry level usually varies based on the region and the company you join.

• Salary Range: ₹30,000 – ₹50,000 per month
• Annual CTC: ₹3.6 Lakhs – ₹6 Lakhs
• Key Responsibilities: Basic testing tasks, learning automation tools, performing manual testing, and writing simple test cases.

Junior (1-3 Years)

With 1 to 3 years of experience, Software QA Engineers typically start to take on more complex tasks, such as creating automated test scripts, managing test environments, and improving the testing process.

• Salary Range: ₹50,000 – ₹70,000 per month
• Annual CTC: ₹6 Lakhs – ₹8.4 Lakhs
• Key Responsibilities: Automation testing, bug tracking, working closely with developers to resolve issues, improving test coverage.

Mid-Level (3-5 Years)

By the time you reach the 3 to 5-year mark, you are likely to have gained substantial experience and may begin leading small teams, managing testing projects, or developing more sophisticated test frameworks. At this level, the average salary of a software QA tester increases significantly.

• Salary Range: ₹70,000 – ₹1,00,000 per month
• Annual CTC: ₹8.4 Lakhs – ₹12 Lakhs
• Key Responsibilities: Leading testing teams, advanced automation, performance testing, mentoring junior QA engineers, and ensuring the quality of software releases.

Senior (5-8 Years)

Senior QA Engineers have extensive experience and often take on roles such as Test Leads or Managers. They play a key role in shaping the testing strategy and ensuring quality control across the entire development lifecycle.

• Salary Range: ₹1,00,000 – ₹1,50,000 per month
• Annual CTC: ₹12 Lakhs – ₹18 Lakhs
• Key Responsibilities: Designing testing strategies, team management, working with stakeholders on quality requirements, integrating continuous testing into CI/CD pipelines.

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Lead/Manager (8-12 Years)

With 8 to 12 years of experience, QA Engineers often transition into managerial or leadership roles, taking full responsibility for the testing strategy and overseeing larger teams or multiple projects.

• Salary Range: ₹1,50,000 – ₹2,00,000 per month
• Annual CTC: ₹18 Lakhs – ₹24 Lakhs
• Key Responsibilities: Leading large teams, collaborating with product management, implementing innovative testing solutions, ensuring compliance with quality standards.

Experienced (12+ Years)

For professionals with more than 12 years of experience, the salary can go even higher, especially if the individual is in a senior leadership position or has specialized expertise in a niche area of QA.

• Salary Range: ₹2,00,000 – ₹2,50,000 per month
• Annual CTC: ₹24 Lakhs – ₹30 Lakhs
• Key Responsibilities: Setting organizational testing strategy, mentoring teams at all levels, integrating advanced QA methodologies, managing cross-functional quality initiatives.

Different Job Roles, Responsibilities, and Salary

Below are various job roles within the QA domain, their responsibilities, and the associated salary ranges.

QA Engineer (Entry-Level)

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Perform manual testing of software applications to identify bugs or performance issues.
• Execute test cases based on the software requirements and report defects.
• Learn and apply basic automation tools and scripting languages for repetitive tasks.
• Work closely with developers to understand requirements and ensure software functionality meets expectations.

Salary:

• Salary Range: ₹3,00,000 – ₹6,00,000 per year
• Monthly CTC: ₹25,000 – ₹50,000

QA Tester (Manual Testing)

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Focus primarily on manual testing methods such as functional testing, UI testing, and regression testing.
• Create test cases based on software documentation and business requirements.
• Identify, report, and track bugs and issues through various tools.
• Collaborate with the development team to clarify product features and functionalities.

Salary:

• Salary Range: ₹3,50,000 – ₹7,00,000 per year
• Monthly CTC: ₹30,000 – ₹60,000

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QA Automation Engineer

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Automate test scripts for repetitive tests, reducing manual work.
• Use tools like Selenium, QTP, TestComplete, and JUnit to automate test execution.
• Develop and maintain automated test frameworks.
• Work with development teams to identify areas for automation and efficiency improvement.
• Perform regression testing and ensure high-quality releases by using automated scripts.

Salary:

• Salary Range: ₹6,00,000 – ₹12,00,000 per year
• Monthly CTC: ₹50,000 – ₹1,00,000

Performance Test Engineer

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Focus on testing the software’s performance, stability, and scalability.
• Use tools like LoadRunner, JMeter, or Apache Bench to simulate real-world usage and ensure the software can handle high traffic volumes.
• Identify performance bottlenecks and work with developers to optimize the software for speed and efficiency.
• Ensure that the application can perform well under stress and heavy load.

Salary:

• Salary Range: ₹8,00,000 – ₹15,00,000 per year
• Monthly CTC: ₹66,000 – ₹1,25,000

Test Lead

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Manage a team of QA testers and ensure that the testing process is effective and efficient.
• Coordinate testing activities with developers, product managers, and other stakeholders.
• Create and enforce testing standards, methodologies, and best practices.
• Review test cases, results, and defects, providing regular updates to management.
• Mentor junior testers and help resolve issues in the testing lifecycle.

Salary:

• Salary Range: ₹10,00,000 – ₹18,00,000 per year
• Monthly CTC: ₹83,000 – ₹1,50,000

QA Manager

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Lead the overall QA process, ensuring that the testing efforts align with the organization’s objectives and timelines.
• Develop and maintain the testing strategy and testing lifecycle for software products.
• Oversee the work of QA teams, ensuring high-quality deliverables.
• Manage the budgeting and resource allocation for the QA department.
• Act as the liaison between the QA team and other departments (development, product management).

Salary:

• Salary Range: ₹12,00,000 – ₹25,00,000 per year
• Monthly CTC: ₹1,00,000 – ₹2,00,000

Security Test Engineer

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Focus on identifying security vulnerabilities in software applications through testing.
• Perform penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, and ethical hacking.
• Use tools like Burp Suite, OWASP ZAP, or Kali Linux to identify threats and risks.
• Collaborate with the development team to resolve security concerns and ensure data protection.
• Ensure compliance with industry security standards and regulations.

Salary:

• Salary Range: ₹8,00,000 – ₹18,00,000 per year
• Monthly CTC: ₹66,000 – ₹1,50,000

Mobile Application Tester

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Test mobile applications on various devices and platforms (iOS, Android) to ensure functionality, usability, and performance.
• Focus on cross-platform compatibility and user interface consistency.
• Perform manual and automated testing for mobile apps.
• Collaborate with mobile developers to ensure applications meet business and technical requirements.

Salary:

• Salary Range: ₹5,00,000 – ₹10,00,000 per year
• Monthly CTC: ₹42,000 – ₹83,000

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Continuous Integration (CI) Test Engineer

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Implement continuous testing practices and integrate automated tests into the CI/CD pipeline.
• Work closely with developers to ensure that testing is integrated into the development process.
• Monitor and manage automated test results to identify defects early in the development cycle.
• Ensure that software releases are thoroughly tested and stable before deployment.

Salary:

• Salary Range: ₹7,00,000 – ₹14,00,000 per year
• Monthly CTC: ₹58,000 – ₹1,16,000

QA Architect

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Define the testing strategies, processes, and methodologies at a high level.
• Create and implement a comprehensive testing framework for the organization.
• Work with other teams to ensure the scalability and robustness of test systems.
• Review test results and guide teams on how to improve the testing process.
• Stay updated with the latest QA tools, methodologies, and trends.

Salary:

• Salary Range: ₹15,00,000 – ₹30,00,000 per year
• Monthly CTC: ₹1,25,000 – ₹2,50,000

Factors Affecting Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary

Several factors influence the salary of Software Quality Assurance (QA) Analysts and Testers. These factors can determine how much a professional earns in the QA field.

• Experience Level: Experience greatly impacts a QA professional’s salary. Entry-level testers earn less while gaining hands-on experience. As professionals progress to mid-level (2-5 years), their responsibilities and salary increase. Senior-level QA engineers with 5+ years, especially in leadership or specialized roles, earn the highest salaries due to their expertise and greater responsibilities.

• Location: Location influences salary. Cities with a strong tech industry, like San Francisco or Bengaluru, offer higher salaries due to high demand and a higher cost of living. In contrast, smaller cities may have lower salaries, but the cost of living is also reduced, balancing the difference.

• Skills and Specialization: QA professionals with specialized skills, like automation or security testing, earn higher salaries. Expertise in tools such as Selenium or Appium, along with relevant certifications, makes professionals more valuable to employers and boosts earning potential.

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• Education and Certifications: A degree in computer science or a related field can lead to a higher salary. Certifications, such as ISTQB or CSTE, further boost earning potential by demonstrating specialized knowledge, making professionals more competitive.

• Industry and Company Size: The industry and company size affect salary. QA professionals in finance, healthcare, or tech often earn more. Large companies with bigger budgets also offer higher salaries, while smaller companies may offer growth opportunities but with lower pay.

• Company Culture and Benefits: Beyond salary, benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and performance bonuses can add value to a compensation package. Some companies also offer flexible work hours or remote options, making them more attractive despite slightly lower salaries.

• Demand for QA Professionals: As businesses rely more on technology, the demand for skilled QA professionals grows. This high demand, particularly for those with automation or mobile testing skills, leads to higher salaries. Professionals who stay updated with new tools and trends are in high demand and can command better pay.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the software QA engineer salary depends on experience, skills, and job role. Entry-level QA engineers and manual testers earn decent pay, while roles like QA Automation Engineers and Performance Test Engineers get higher salaries. Senior positions, such as QA Managers and QA Architects, offer even better pay for their leadership and expertise. 

The demand for software QA engineers is growing, making this a great career choice with good salaries and opportunities for growth in the software industry. The average salary software QA tester remains competitive, offering good earning potential in the industry. Enhance your skills and boost your career by enrolling in our Software Quality Assurance training today!